Adjustable Telescoping Support Mechanism for Use with Concrete Forming Systems

ABSTRACT

An adjustable telescoping support mechanism is provided that may be connected between members of two positionally separated and supported truss members for providing support for a concrete-forming surface for fabricating building floors or ceilings. The telescoping support mechanism may be easily positioned adjacent to the location of vertical concrete structures of a building, such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts in order to tie in a concrete floor or ceiling to the vertical concrete structure. The mechanism provides a means for fabricating a floor or ceiling adjacent to a vertical concrete structure either prior to or after the vertical structure has been fabricated, without the need for supporting scaffolding, which impedes normal construction activity and creates safety issues.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to concrete forming systems used in the construction industry, and more particularly to means for supporting platform forms for forming reinforced concrete floors and ceilings of buildings under construction. The invention provides a means for supporting horizontal concrete forms for floors and ceilings adjacent and connected to building vertical structures such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts, without the need for scaffolding structures to support the concrete forms.

Systems for implementing concrete forming systems are widely used in the construction industry. They are found in various shapes and sizes in order to meet the requirements of concrete structures. The concrete forming systems or formworks typically include reinforced rebar structure onto which liquid concrete is poured. When the concrete has set up sufficiently, the forming systems are removed, the remaining structure form the internal and external walls, columns, foundations, shafts, etc. that make up the building structure. The removed forming systems are then reused again for the construction of other buildings.

A method widely used today in the construction of reinforced concrete floors and ceilings makes use of a flat horizontal concrete-forming surface material such as plywood or composite material sheets supported by a plurality of primary-support trusses, which may also be fabricated of wood, composite material or steel. The plurality of primary-support trusses may be supported by similar secondary-support trusses positioned orthogonally to the primary-support trusses, and in turn supported by vertical shoring means or jacks. The primary-support trusses may also be directly supported by vertical shoring means or jacks.

Typically, a reinforcing framework of rebar is fabricated on the concrete-forming surface and connected to previously-constructed permanent support structures. Liquid concrete is poured onto the reinforcing framework and concrete-forming surface. The liquid concrete is constrained horizontally by side panels on the horizontal concrete-forming surface. The liquid concrete is allowed to solidify into a reinforced concrete slab to form a floor or ceiling. When the concrete has cured sufficiently, the horizontal formwork, primary-support trusses, secondary-support trusses and vertical shoring means or jacks may be removed. What remains is a horizontal reinforced concrete floor or ceiling supported by previously-constructed permanent support structures. The horizontal formwork, primary-support trusses, secondary-support trusses and vertical shoring means or jacks may be reused at another building construction site.

A difficulty may be encountered when a concrete floor or ceiling must be interconnected with a vertical concrete structure of a building, such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts. The typical method for supporting a concrete-forming surface adjacent to a vertical concrete structure involves the use of a scaffolding structure to support the adjacent concrete forming surface. However, the presence of the scaffolding structure makes access to the area beneath the concrete-forming surface adjacent to a vertical concrete structure difficult, if not impossible, and presents numerous safety issues. This lack of access and safety is compounded if it becomes necessary for construction equipment to be located close to the vertical concrete structure. Another possible difficulty is the maintenance of a fixed positional relationship of the surrounding concrete-forming surface or existing floor or ceiling, and a vertical concrete structure, since it is desirable to not have movement relative to these structures as liquid concrete is introduced onto the horizontal concrete-forming surface for connecting to a vertical concrete structure of a building.

The supporting truss members used with concrete forming systems normally are available only in standard lengths, and are re-usable from job-site to job-site. When a configuration arises where it is necessary to use a non-standard length truss member, it becomes necessary to cut a standard length truss to the desired non-standard length. The result is a non-standard length that cannot readily be used again.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, an adjustable telescoping support mechanism may be connected between members of two positionally separated and supported truss members for providing support for a concrete-forming surface for fabricating building floors or ceilings. The telescoping support mechanism may be easily positioned adjacent to the location of vertical concrete structures of a building, such as building support columns, stairwells or elevator shafts in order to tie in a concrete floor or ceiling to the vertical concrete structure. The mechanism provides a means for fabricating a floor or ceiling adjacent to a vertical concrete structure either prior to or after the vertical structure has been fabricated, without the need for supporting scaffolding, which impedes normal construction activity and creates safety issues.

The adjustable telescoping mechanism is capable of interconnecting and spanning distances between trusses arranged in a serial or end-to-end configuration, or interconnecting and spanning distances between trusses arranged in an orthogonal or perpendicular configuration. The telescoping mechanism is adjustable between a minimum and maximum length, and may be configured in different maximum lengths to accommodate varying spanning requirements. The telescoping mechanism includes means for limiting the maximum extension or telescoping length to ensure that the mechanism elements do not become disassembled from one another. Means are provided to secure the truss connection to the mechanism after being satisfactorily positioned.

The adjustable telescoping support mechanisms may be provided in various standard maximum lengths, providing a wider range of usable applications. Use of these support mechanisms eliminates the need for cutting standard length trusses into non-standard lengths that cannot readily be re-used.

An embodiment of the present invention is an adjustable length telescoping support mechanism for connecting to truss members for supporting forming platforms, comprising a first connecting means capable of being supported by a first truss member, the first connecting means being fixed to an outer telescoping channel, a second connecting means capable of being supported by a second truss member, the second connecting means being fixed to an inner telescoping channel, the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel being arranged in a sliding telescoping relationship with one another for providing a rigid adjustable length support mechanism for supporting forming platforms between the first and second truss members. The configuration of the first connecting means relative to the first supporting truss member may be selected from the group consisting of a serial configuration and an orthogonal configuration. The configuration of the second connecting means relative to the second supporting truss member may be selected from the group consisting of a serial configuration and an orthogonal configuration. The mechanism may further comprise a safety apparatus connected between the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel for preventing the outer telescoping channel from separating from the inner telescoping channel by limiting the maximum span of the adjustable length. The mechanism may further comprise one or more handling on the outer telescoping channel and one or more handling means on the inner telescoping channel for ease of installation. The mechanism may further comprise securing means in the first connecting means for securing to the first truss member and securing means in the second connecting means for securing to the second truss member. The mechanism may further comprise clamping means for securing a connecting means to a truss member. The mechanism may further comprise a sliding means for securing a connecting means to a truss member. The support mechanism may provide support to one or more trusses that are positioned in a transverse orientation to the support mechanism. The mechanism may further comprise supporting a forming platform positioned on top of the transverse-oriented trusses. The forming platform may be a concrete-forming platform. The support mechanism may provide support for trusses and concrete-forming platforms adjacent to vertical concrete building structures. The first connecting means may be rigidly fixed to the outer telescoping channel and the second connecting means may be rigidly fixed to the inner telescoping channel. The safety apparatus may be a telescoping apparatus affixed between the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel. The handling means may be selected from the group consisting of handles and knobs. The securing means may comprise holes in the first and second connecting means for inserting fasteners for fastening the first and second connecting means to the first and second truss members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A-FIG. 1C depict perspective views of several embodiments of the telescoping support mechanism;

FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D depict perspective views of a first embodiment of the telescoping support mechanism connected to a truss member in serial and perpendicular configurations;

FIG. 3A-FIG. 3D depict perspective views of a second embodiment of the telescoping support mechanism connected to a truss member in serial and perpendicular configurations;

FIG. 4A-FIG. 4F depict detailed planar and sectional views of telescoping support mechanism connections to trusses;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of installed telescoping support mechanisms connected to truss members in serial configurations; and

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of installed telescoping support mechanisms connected to truss members in perpendicular configurations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning to FIG. 1A, FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a telescoping support mechanism 100 having a first truss connection configuration 102 and a second truss connection configuration 124. The first truss connection configuration 102 comprises a first channel member 104 for providing a serial connection to an end of a truss member. The first channel member 104 includes holes 106 for securely fastening the first channel member 104 to an end of a truss member. The first channel member 104 is rigidly fixed to a first connection plate 108 which is rigidly fixed to an outer telescoping member 110. The outer telescoping member 110 includes a positioning handle 114 and a first extension limitation member 112 that operates with a second extension limitation member 132 to prevent the outer telescoping member 110 from being separated from an inner telescoping member 130. The inner telescoping member 130 also includes a positioning handle 114. The second truss connection configuration 124 comprises a second channel member 128 for providing a serial connection to an end of a truss member. The second channel member 128 also includes holes 106 for securely fastening the second channel member 128 to an end of a truss member. The second channel member 128 is rigidly fixed to a second connection plate 126 which is rigidly fixed to the inner telescoping member 130. The described configuration allows the inner telescoping member 130 to slide within the outer telescoping member 110 for adjusting an overall desired length of the telescoping support mechanism 100 without allowing the inner telescoping member 130 from separating from the outer telescoping member 110. Clamping plates 118 may be attached to the inner telescoping member 130 and the outer telescoping member 110 with attaching means 116, 120, 122. A clamping plate 118 may operate with the first connection plate 108 for providing a perpendicular connection to a truss member. A clamping plate 118 may also operate with the second connection plate 126 for providing a perpendicular connection to a truss member.

Turning to FIG. 1B, FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a telescoping support mechanism 140 having a pair of first truss connection configurations 102 on each end of the telescoping support mechanism 140. In a manner described above in relation to FIG. 1A, the first truss connection configurations 102 comprise a first channel member 104 for providing a serial connection to an end of truss members. The first channel member 104 is rigidly fixed to a first connection plate 108 which is rigidly fixed to an outer telescoping member 110 and an inner telescoping member 130. The outer telescoping member 110 includes a first extension limitation member 112 that operates with a second extension limitation member 132 to prevent the outer telescoping member 110 from being separated from an inner telescoping member 130. Clamping plates 118 may be attached to the inner telescoping member 130 and the outer telescoping member 110. The clamping plates 118 may operate with the first connection plates 108 for providing a perpendicular connection to truss members.

Turning to FIG. 1C, FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of a telescoping support mechanism 150 having a pair of second truss connection configurations 124 on each end of the telescoping support mechanism 150. In a manner described above in relation to FIG. 1A, the second truss connection configurations 124 comprise a second channel member 128 for providing a serial connection to an end of truss members. The second channel member 128 is rigidly fixed to a second connection plate 126 which is rigidly fixed to an outer telescoping member 110 and an inner telescoping member 130. The outer telescoping member 110 includes a first extension limitation member 112 that operates with a second extension limitation member 132 to prevent the outer telescoping member 110 from being separated from an inner telescoping member 130. Clamping plates 118 may be attached to the inner telescoping member 130 and the outer telescoping member 110. The clamping plates 118 may operate with the second connection plates 126 for providing a perpendicular connection to truss members.

Turning to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, FIG. 2A depicts a first truss connection configuration 102 of a telescoping support mechanism 200 comprising a first channel member 104 rigidly fixed to a first connection plate 108 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 110, and a clamping plate 118. FIG. 2A shows the first truss connection configuration 102 being moved into position for a serial connection to a truss member 202, and FIG. 2B shows the first truss connection configuration 210 finally positioned in a serial connection with the truss member 202. FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B illustrate how the end of a truss member 202 may provide support to an end of a telescoping support mechanism 200 in a serial type connection.

Turning to FIG. 2C, FIG. 2C depicts a first truss connection configuration 102 of a telescoping support mechanism 220 being supported by a truss member 202, as shown and described in relation to FIG. 2B, with the addition of another truss member 222 being supported and clamped 118, 108 by the telescoping support mechanism 210.

Turning to FIG. 2D, FIG. 2D depicts a first truss connection configuration 102 of a telescoping support mechanism 230 comprising a first channel member 104 rigidly fixed to a first connection plate 108 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 110, and a clamping plate 118. FIG. 2D shows the first truss connection configuration 102 positioned in a perpendicular connection with the truss member 232 using a clamping means of the first connection plate 108 and the clamping plate 118. FIG. 2D illustrates how a truss member 232 may provide support to an end of a telescoping support mechanism 236 in a perpendicular type connection.

Turning to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, FIG. 3A depicts a second truss connection configuration 124 of a telescoping support mechanism 300 comprising a second channel member 128 rigidly fixed to a second connection plate 126 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 130, and a clamping plate 118. FIG. 3A shows the second truss connection configuration 124 being moved into position for a serial connection to a truss member 30Z, and FIG. 2B shows the second truss connection configuration 3 10 finally positioned in a serial connection with the truss member 302. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate how the end of a truss member 302 may provide support to an end of a telescoping support mechanism 300 in a serial type connection.

Turning to FIG. 3C, FIG. 3C depicts a second truss connection configuration 124 of a telescoping support mechanism 320 being supported by a truss member 302, as shown and described in relation to FIG. 3B, with the addition of another truss member 322 being supported and clamped 118, 126 by the telescoping support mechanism 310.

Turning to FIG. 3 D, FIG. 3D depicts a second truss connection configuration 124 of a telescoping support mechanism 330 comprising a second channel member 128 rigidly fixed to a second connection plate 126 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 130, and a clamping plate 118. FIG. 3D shows the second truss connection configuration 124 positioned in a perpendicular connection with the truss member 332 using a clamping means of the second connection plate 126 and the clamping plate 118. FIG. 3D illustrates how a truss member 332 may provide support to an end of a telescoping support mechanism 330 in a perpendicular type connection.

Turning to FIG. 4A through FIG. 4D, FIG. 4A depicts an end view of a truss 400 and FIG. 4B depicts a side view of the truss 400, including a forming platform 402 supported by an upper truss member 404, and a lower truss member 406. FIG. 4D depicts the truss shown in FIG. 4B with a first connection configuration 102 of a telescoping support mechanism comprising a first channel member 104 for providing a serial connection to an end of the lower truss member 406, connected and supported by the lower truss member 406. The first channel member 104 is rigidly fixed to a first connection plate 108 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 110. A clamping plate 118 is affixed to the telescoping member 110. FIG. 4C depicts a cross section of A-A′ from FIG. 4D, showing the forming platform 402 supported by the upper truss member 404 and the lower truss member 406 support the first channel member 104.

Turning to FIG. 4E and FIG. 4F, FIG. 4E depicts a side view of a truss 420, including a forming platform 402 supported by an upper truss member 404, and a lower truss member 406. FIG. 4E also depicts a second connection configuration 124 of a telescoping support mechanism comprising a second channel member 128 rigidly fixed to a second connection plate 126 which is rigidly fixed to a telescoping member 130. A clamping plate 118 is affixed to the telescoping member 130. A clamping plate 118 is affixed to the telescoping member 110. FIG. 4F depicts a cross section of A-A′ from FIG. 4E, showing the forming platform 402 supported by the upper truss member 404 and the lower truss member 406 supporting the telescoping member 130 via the second connection plate 126 and clamping plate 118.

Turning to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view 500 of installed telescoping support mechanisms 510, 520 connected to and supported by truss members 540 connected in serial configurations 512, 514, 522, 524. The trusses 540 support forming platforms 530 for forming building floors and ceilings. A broken-away section of a building vertical support structure 560 is shown between of the telescoping support members 510, 520. Also depicted in FIG. 5 are cross-trusses 550 for supporting additional forming platforms for connecting building floors and ceilings to the vertical building support structure 560, without the need for scaffolding structure.

Turning to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view 600 of installed telescoping support mechanisms 610, 620 connected to and supported by truss members 640 connected in serial configurations 612, 624 and by truss members 650 connected in perpendicular or orthogonal configurations 614, 622. The trusses 640, 650 support forming platforms 630 for forming building floors and ceilings. A broken-away section of a building vertical support structure 660 is shown between of the telescoping support members 610, 620. FIG. 6 depicts another configuration for connecting building floors and ceilings to the vertical building support structure 660, without the need for scaffolding structure.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments might occur to persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. An adjustable length telescoping support mechanism for connecting to truss members for supporting forming platforms, comprising: a first connecting means capable of being supported by a first truss member, the first connecting means being fixed to an outer telescoping channel; a second connecting means capable of being supported by a second truss member, the second connecting means being fixed to an inner telescoping channel; the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel being arranged in a sliding telescoping relationship with one another for providing a rigid adjustable length support mechanism for supporting forming platforms between the first and second truss members.
 2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the first connecting means relative to the first supporting truss member may be selected from the group consisting of a serial configuration and an orthogonal configuration.
 3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the configuration of the second connecting means relative to the second supporting truss member may be selected from the group consisting of a serial configuration and an orthogonal configuration.
 4. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a safety apparatus connected between the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel for preventing the outer telescoping channel from separating from the inner telescoping channel by limiting the maximum span of the adjustable length.
 5. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising one or more handling means on the outer telescoping channel and one or more handling means on the inner telescoping channel for ease of installation.
 6. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising securing means in the first connecting means for securing to the first truss member and securing means in the second connecting means for securing to the second truss member.
 7. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising clamping means for securing a connecting means to a truss member.
 8. The mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a sliding means for securing a connecting means to a truss member.
 9. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the support mechanism provides support to one or more trusses that are positioned in a transverse orientation to the support mechanism.
 10. The mechanism of claim 9, further comprising providing support to a forming platform positioned on top of the transverse-oriented trusses.
 11. The mechanism of claim 10, wherein the forming platform is a concrete-forming platform.
 12. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the support mechanism provides support for trusses and concrete-forming platforms adjacent to vertical concrete building structures.
 13. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the forming platforms are concrete forming platforms.
 14. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the first connecting means is rigidly fixed to the outer telescoping channel and the second connecting means is rigidly fixed to the inner telescoping channel.
 15. The mechanism of claim 4, wherein the safety apparatus is a telescoping apparatus affixed between the outer telescoping channel and the inner telescoping channel.
 16. The mechanism of claim 5, wherein the handling means is selected from the group consisting of handles and knobs.
 17. The mechanism of claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises holes in the first and second connecting means for inserting fasteners for fastening the first and second connecting means to the first and second truss members. 